IT has been assumed by some physiologists that the
periodicity in the sexual life of animals depends upon
economic conditions, the reproductive matter being a surplus
of the individual economy. Hence, it is said, their sexual
season occurs when the proportion between receipts and
expenditure is most favourable.1

According to Mr. Heape, on the other hand, the sexual
season is governed by a variety of influence. It may be
influenced by the climate of the region in which the animal
lives, by the seasons of the year when these are of marked
variation, and by the supply of food, or possibly by the
nature of the food, obtainable; by special nervous, vascular,
and secretory peculiarities of the individual and its habits
of life; and by the length of gestation, the claims of the
newly-born offspring on the mother, and her powers of
recuperation.2

There can, of course, be no doubt that the periodicity
in question is closely connected with certain conditions

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